Multiple Recalls Nationwide for Listeria Concerns in Frozen Fruits and Vegetables, Sunflower Seeds and More

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is alerting Georgians to several recent recalls that include a wide range of products that were distributed and sold in Georgia. The products are being recalled over concerns of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which poses health risks to consumers if eaten.

“Recalls are one of the food safety control measures in place to prevent illnesses when a potential problem is identified,” Commissioner Black said. “Many of these recalls are tied together by common ingredients. The multitude of related recalls is a testament to the supply chain working together to identify products that need to be removed from the marketplace.”

While retailers are actively pulling recalled products from store shelves so they are not available for purchase, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) food safety inspectors routinely check retail shelves and distribution warehouses to make sure recalled products have been removed from sale.

Recent recalls impacting Georgia due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination are listed below; please visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for additional, complete information about each recalled product.

The Pictsweet Company - Certain frozen vegetable products sold nationwide because they contain Cut Green Beans or Green Peas recently recalled by CRF Frozen Foods, a Pictsweet ingredient supplier. Recalled products include specific "best by" dates, with the letter “K” as the 5th digit of the manufacturing code (found on the back panel of each package).

Pita Pal Foods - Pita Pal Corn Relish Salad, Texas Caviar Salad, Mediterranean 3 Bean Salad and Chipotle Quinoa Salad, that may be impacted by contaminated vegetable ingredient(s). The products were sold in Georgia and other select states through retail and food service distribution.

Sunflower seeds and nuts:

Rucker’s Wholesale and Service Co. - Uncle Bucks Sweet & Salty Trail Mix in 3 oz. clear bags with UPC 752545073390 and best by dates of 03-14-17 & 04-18-17. The products were distributed nationwide only in Bass Pro Shops stores.

SunOpta - Sunflower kernel products sold in clear plastic packages under "Dakota's Best Biggy's Roasted and Salted Kernels" (16 oz.) and Planters Sunflower Kernels (3 oz.), with best by dates of March 2017, that may have been distributed nationwide.

Publix Super Markets Inc. - Wheatberry Salad that may be impacted by contaminated sunflower seeds, sold in plastic containers available in the Publix Delis, sold in Georgia and other southeastern states.

The Kroger Co. - Kroger Sunflower Salad Toppers, Sunflower Kernels, and Cranberry Delight Trail Mix that may be impacted by contaminated sunflower seeds, sold in Georgia and other select states.

The Kroger Co. - Broccoli Raisin Salad that may be impacted by contaminated sunflower seeds, sold in Georgia and other select states. Includes all container sizes and all use by dates for products with UPC 0028715820000.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune symptoms. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Lm infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers can sign up to receive email or text alerts in Georgia, and see a comprehensive list of recalls impacting Georgia online at www.agr.georgia.gov/recalls.aspx. Also follow the GDA on Twitter @GDAFoodSafety for recall alerts and food safety tips.

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About the GDA The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state’s agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce. For more information, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.